NECF Prayer Week

NECF Prayer Week - Concern for Recent Development in the Nation

March 1 to 8, 2009

NECF MALAYSIA has called on all member churches to hold round the clock prayer and prayer services for the nation come 1 to 8 March 2008. This call is made in view of recent developments since the beginning of the year that brought attention and caused great concern for the Christian church and community. Some matters of concern are:-

* On 30/12/08, the Utusan Malaysia reported a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister' Department, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the Bible cannot be translated into Bahasa Malaysia. The Daily quoted the Minister as saying, "the government will hinder any effort whatsoever to spread Christianity including the translation of the Bible into Bahasa Malaysia that is intended to confuse the Muslims in this country".
* Also, on the same day, the Home Ministry approved the publication’s annual printing permit with several conditions, one of which is to cease publication of the Herald in Bahasa Malaysia until the court decides on its move to seek a declaratory relief that it is entitled to use the word "Allah". Subsequently, it has been reported that the Home Ministry had never prohibited the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the The Herald but only against the use of the word 'Allah' to refer to God
* The statement by Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the Mingguan Malaysia (reported by The Straits Times, 2 February 2009) that a small group of non-Muslim leaders was trying to question the position of Islam in Malaysia has brought about concerns to Christians.
* The warning issued by the Minister saying "Don't play with fire and challenge the Muslims. We are willing to do anything to protect our religion" is also unwarranted and uncalled for (see link above).
* The economic downturn and unemployment rate projected to hit 6% with more than 660,000 expected to lose their jobs through the year (NST, 30 Jan, 2009).
* The political situation in the state of Perak and subsequent events that transpired.



NECF Malaysia deemed it urgent and necessary to mobilize all churches and Christians to turn to our God and seek his intervention for the welfare and well being of the nation and urged all member churches to hold the following:-

* Organised round the clock prayer moments in which your congregation may participate in prayer
* Organised special prayer service so that the collective congregation may collective come together to pray for the nation
* Avail yourselves to be present and participate in specially organized prayer service around designated churches praying for the nation on the 8th of March. Details will be posted in the website.



We believe our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms and that the Lord of heaven will hear the prayers of the righteous. We want to pray for the Lord’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Eph.6:12; Matt.6:10)